The Well-Dressed Home And A Closet Makeover

Over the last year, I've been working on a renovation project for this wonderful couple in Mountain Brook.  I've mentioned other aspects of this project here and here.  Among all the changes, we converted a small office the husband was using into a walk in closest for the wife. 

Also during the process, we replaced the dining room chandelier which was really not large enough for the space with something more to scale (I promise to show you pictures of the dining room at some point).  So, rather than get rid of the old chandelier, I suggested we move it to the new closet for a touch of girly glam.  Also, since the new closet was not very big, we hired a professional closest designer to come in and make the most of the space.   

Afterwards, my very organized client, "styled" the space with her things.  Notice how we painted the back wall a pale blue.  Initially, I wanted to wall paper this area, but we ended up painting it this beautiful color, and I think it was the right decision. 

My client came across this little stool in an antique/consignment shop.  After helping her pick out the fabric and trim, she redid it on her own!  I think the scale works perfectly in the space.

How many of you have crystal pieces similar to these stored in a buffet or closet?  Why not pull them out and use them in a spot that needs some sparkle.

Needless to say, I was BLOWN away by how beautiful it turned out and how indulgent it seemed to have such a wonderfully organized closet!  So, I went home and did my own. Here's the before of my closet (I know, shocking that I'm showing you this!) 

 I was lucky enough to already have the space built out with custom closets (it was here when we bought the house).  But, I had not really put the time and energy into thinking about what clothes I have and how to best utilize the space.

I actually have to share this space with my husband.  His things are on the right and mine on the left.

 Here's the after . . .

I did lots of purging (as in three garbage bags).  My rule was: If I had not worn it in the last year, I got rid of it!

 I also sat down and really thought about the things I planned to keep and how best to utilize the space for these items.  I even made room to "hang" my boots!

I took this picture before I was completely done.  I since have changed out the knobs with some pretty crystal ones and I have added a shelf above the luggage for my purse, keys, sunglasses, etc.  Everyday things I need.

Also, I cleaned up my husband's side up a bit too.
Overall, he's a pretty neat guy (in more ways than one, I might add)!

  I also replaced all my hangers.  I know it sounds indulgent, but I have never had a pretty closet, and I thought it was time.  This alone unified the space more than any other single thing I did.

No, I don't have a fabulous chandelier (will have to work on that one), but I just love being in there now.  I dare say, I don't mind putting laundry away anymore!

   Around the same time I was working on this project, I entered and won a giveaway hosted by Laura on her delightful blog Bright, Bold, and Beautiful for this glamourous book by the talented Annette Tatum . . . 

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When I finally sat down to check it out, I just had to laugh.  The book is about looking at what you wear and taking clues from this to decorate your home.  The idea is that your home should reflect the true you.

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  Well, of course all the images of closets in this book were amazing.  They just made me want to jump into the picture and look around.  So, after I read it cover to cover, I walked into my newly organized closet to see what colors, patterns, accessories I wear day to day.

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For the most part, I am drawn to the same colors for fashion as I am for interiors.  But, I've not really been bringing my love for accessories to the table for interior design projects.  So, I will be thinking about that more on current projects!  

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If you are interested in organizing your closets, I have a great contact I will share with you here in Birmingham to make that happen.  She is wonderful at coming up with the best use of a small spot.  

Also, if you just want to organize your current space, here are my sources for clothing hangers (these are a real find from a very organized friend), skirt and pant hangers and the boot hangers.   After I did my closet, I had two other friends do theirs.  Beware, it's contagious! M.

A slice of boudoir heaven...

If I were Samantha the good witch and could wiggle my nose and create the ultimate boudoir for myself this pretty much would be it!

Claudia Strassers The Paris Apartment book was first published 16 years ago, but to me it NEVER gets old. I've mentioned on many occasions this book has been my bed companion for a long time and even travelled with me to Europe as I couldn't bear to part with it. Pages 74 and 75 are almost permanently open on my dressing table and often when passing I find myself wishing I could dive into those glossy pages.

(please click images to enlarge)

I love absolutely everything about this room, from the parquetry floors to the 12 foot high ceilings, The recessed shelving for books and treasures complete with pelmet framing. The sheepskin rugs, the painted Louis furniture, the tufted tub chairs, the silk sumptuous fabrics, the turquoise vases and the grand sparkling chandelier! I know swags and tails in most bedrooms can look completely over the top but in a room this grand how could you have anything less? Ok perhaps I would hide the speakers.

This room is feminine and sexy and romantic but without being sickly girly. I think a man might even enjoy sleeping there ;)

As a studio apartment it triples as a living room, bedroom and office. I adore the use of the three seperate spaces with the sumptuous inviting bed taking centre stage.

Oh I need to find me a tall set of drawers like that!

I thought I'd finish with another one of my favourite images from Claudia's book. Would you feast your eyes on this treasure trove?! You would have to call security to force me to leave such a place. It actually reminds me alot of Vintage Glamour in Enmore, Sydney. I could spend hours rummaging through that store :)

If you haven't already bought this book you are missing out! It truly is a slice of heaven :)

The Paris Apartment book

The Paris Apartment blog

p.s I received an email today from one of my idols that lifted me to new heights......Thank you so very much! :)

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday January 30, 2010

Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.

One of my all time favorite Christmas gifts was a book given to me this past Christmas by my son’s family titled Interior Wisdom by Leah Richardson. Because of the shape, size, and weight of the gift it was obvious I had received a book. Oh how I love books! With great anticipation, I unwrapped my gift to find a lovely design book. On the cover was a beautiful dining room which begged me to look inside.

As I thumbed through the pages I saw many photos of interiors and interior design elements. Then, I noticed the scripture. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverb 3:4-5  As I began reading the scripture, I noticed there were also inspirational words. I flipped back to the book jacket to read the overview of the book. “…she shares the ways her spiritual walk influences her design, offers beloved verses that have inspired her work and includes a centering prayer (she has a prayer at the beginning of each chapter which is titled “Pray with me…”) to help the reader understand how important it is to include God’s wisdom in the design of our homes and our hearts.” (I love that she included the word hearts).  I pause for a moment and think to myself, “gosh this book is right up my alley!”

Next I turned a few pages to read about the author. In “A Note from Leah,” she shares her journey which began when she was feeling devastated after being fired from her job in corporate America. This led her back to school to pursue a degree in Interior Design. At the time of her firing, Leah did not realize it was God’s sovereign hand at work. Though in the years to come, it became very clear which she explains in Interior Wisdom.

Reading her book jacket, I learned that besides her interior design business, Leah also lectures with Leah Richardson Ministries.

Two of my favorite scriptures in her book- Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”  Hebrews 3:4 “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” Don’t you think these are both so appropriate for anyone designing and building of a home!

One of my favorite quotes is “Excess encumbers our life more than enhancing it.”

Blessings.  …susan